A 63-year-old Fort Wayne man using an electric wheelchair was killed Monday night in a crash on Coliseum Boulevard West, according to the Allen County coroner's office. David James Keen was struck around 10 p.m. in the 3200 block of Coliseum Boulevard West and was pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner's office identified Keen on Friday and confirmed his cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries resulting from the crash. His death marks the 26th traffic fatality recorded in Allen County this year. Kandice K. Baker, 45, has been charged with causing death when operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and in possession of methamphetamine. According to a probable cause affidavit, Baker told investigators she was driving when the pedestrian was struck, and officers later found she was in possession of methamphetamine. The preliminary investigation indicates Baker's SUV failed to stay in its lane, crossed the centerline, and struck Keen as he traveled in his wheelchair down the middle of the road. The Fort Wayne Police Department, the Allen County prosecutor's office, and the coroner's office continue to investigate the crash.

Location and Infrastructure

Coliseum Boulevard West is a major, high-traffic corridor in Fort Wayne that connects several commercial districts and residential neighborhoods, and it carries significant volumes of vehicle traffic throughout the day and into the evening hours. The 3200 block sits in an area with a mix of businesses and access points, where nighttime visibility and limited pedestrian infrastructure can present challenges for vulnerable road users, including individuals using mobility devices. As a multi-lane roadway, Coliseum Boulevard requires drivers to maintain lane discipline, particularly at night when visibility is reduced. This section of roadway falls under the jurisdiction of the City of Fort Wayne and is patrolled by the Fort Wayne Police Department. Crashes involving centerline crossovers, as reported in this incident, often prompt scrutiny of traffic control measures, lighting, and roadway design in the affected corridor.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Indiana law, individuals or families affected by a fatal crash involving an intoxicated driver may have grounds to pursue a civil wrongful death claim separate from any criminal proceedings. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault standard, which can affect the recovery of damages if multiple parties share responsibility. Claims for wrongful death in Indiana are generally subject to a two-year statute of limitations from the date of death, though exceptions may apply depending on case circumstances. Potential compensation in such cases may include medical and funeral expenses, lost income, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering, depending on the applicable claims process. Insurance considerations may involve the at-fault driver's auto liability coverage as well as any applicable underinsured motorist provisions. Because criminal charges and civil liability are evaluated separately, affected parties may want to understand how the pending criminal case could inform related civil proceedings. This information is general in nature and not a substitute for individualized legal guidance.

Related Resources

• Fort Wayne Police Department – Non-emergency line for crash reports and investigation updates
• Allen County Coroner's Office – Information regarding cause and manner of death determinations
• Allen County Prosecutor's Office – Updates on criminal proceedings related to the case
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) – Traffic laws and driver responsibilities: in.gov/bmv
• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute – Traffic Safety – State traffic safety data and initiatives: in.gov/cji
• Indiana Code Title 9 – Motor Vehicles – Full text of state traffic laws: iga.in.gov/laws/2024/ic/titles/9
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Pedestrian and mobility device safety resources: nhtsa.gov
• National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) – Support services for crime and crash victims: trynova.org